Welcome to our January event guide. You\u2019re probably broke and exhausted after the holidays, but you have to get out and go to some queer events to keep the winter blues at bay. Here\u2019s a selection of queer events happening this January around the country with a little something for just about everyone.<\/p>\n
Neuro Pride Winter Picnic Limerick Swim Lessons by Splash Out \u00a0<\/p>\n \u200b\u200b<\/p>\n Out Connections Belfast Launch Conference \u00a0<\/p>\n Crash and Burn Comedy \u00a0<\/p>\n The Secret History of Queer Dublin Walking Tour Come to Europe \u00a0<\/p>\n Ceili and Irish Dancing for the LGBTQ+ Community \u00a0<\/p>\n Queen of Hearts Lesbian Speed Dating 45-60 \u00a0<\/p>\n Next Big Thing Festival The festival is sponsored by Safe Gigs Ireland<\/a>, an initiative working to prevent spiking and sexual violence, making attending live music events safer. They also have an accessibility rider<\/a> for audience members to let their needs be known and hopefully accommodated! Tickets are on sale here<\/a>.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n The Khunt Wars \u00a0<\/p>\n \u2018Love in the Lav\u2019 by Dr Averill Earls \u2013 Talk and Panel Discussion \u00a0<\/p>\n Dublin Leather Weekend 2026 \u00a0<\/p>\n I\u2019m baby: Born Again \u00a0<\/p>\n This concludes our list of queer events happening in Ireland this January. Have we missed yours? Let us know at [email\u00a0protected]<\/a>.<\/p>\n \u00a9 2025 GCN (Gay Community News). All rights reserved.<\/p>\n Support GCN<\/p>\n GCN is a free, vital resource for Ireland\u2019s LGBTQ+ community since 1988.<\/p>\n GCN is a trading name of National LGBT Federation CLG, a registered charity – Charity Number: 20034580<\/a>.<\/p>\n \nGCN relies on the generous support of the community and allies to sustain the crucial work that we do. Producing GCN is costly, and, in an industry which has been hugely impacted by rising costs, we need your support to help sustain and grow this vital resource.<\/p>\n
Limerick, People\u2019s Park Bandstand \u2013 January 3, 1-5pm
Neuro Pride\u2019s Winter Picnic is coming to Limerick for the first time on January 3, 2026, for a \u201ccasual and cosy wintry gathering at The Bandstand in People\u2019s Park\u201d. This event will be all about connection and comfort, encouraging people to express themselves how they like while drinking all the good wintery beverages like soup and hot chocolate. To reserve a spot, click here<\/a>.<\/p>\n
Dublin, Swan Leisure Centre, Rathmines \u2013 January 7, 8pm, then every Wednesday for 6 weeks
These LGBTQ+ swimming lessons give space for members of the community to learn or improve their swimming in an inclusive and safe space. For more info, click here<\/a>.<\/p>\n
Belfast, The MAC \u2013 January 9, 10am-4pm
A day of workshops and networking around LGBTQ+ issues. For more info, click here<\/a>.<\/p>\n
Dublin, Sin \u00e9 \u2013 January 10, 8pm
Hysteria, Ireland\u2019s queerest comedy club, hosts many shows a month, and their night Crash and Burn will be on January 10. For tickets, click here<\/a>.<\/p>\n
Dublin, Oscar Wilde Memorial \u2013 January 10 4pm, January 31 4pm
Alternative Dublin is running this queer walking tour. \u201cGay people, as artists, activists, politicians and revolutionaries have played crucial roles in shaping Ireland\u2019s history for better and worse.\u201d That\u2019s representation. For tickets, click here<\/a>.<\/p>\n
Dublin, The George \u2013 January 10, 6pm
Drag Race Brazil stars are coming to The George with a show hosted by Victoria Secret! See Ruby Nox, Poseidon Drag and Paola Hoffman Van Cartier live in Dublin, with an optional meet and greet. Get your tickets here<\/a>.<\/p>\n
Dublin, Fringe Lab, Temple Bar \u2013 Every Tuesday at 7pm
This is a high-energy evening of Irish dancing where no experience is needed, and you can just go for the craic. Find more info and prices here<\/a>.<\/p>\n
Dublin, Richmond Restaurant \u2013 January 20, 7pm
This speed-dating event is for LGBTQ+ women and non-binary people aged roughly 45-60 and will include a complimentary drink, a raffle, and hopefully some matches! Get your ticket here<\/a>.<\/p>\n
Dublin, The Workman\u2019s Club \u2013 January 21-24
Cork, Dali \u2013 Jan 31-Feb 1
The Next Big Thing is a DIY music festival in the city, starting in Dublin and culminating in Cork. It\u2019s a festival \u201cby musicians for music lovers of all kinds\u201d showcasing the best up-and-coming acts Ireland has to offer. They\u2019ve got alt-rock grrls, prog pop-punk, synthwave, ghost core, noisy grunge, and buff boy bands, heavy on the queer representation.<\/p>\n
Dublin, The Sugar Club \u2013 January 22, 7-11pm
Launching in January, Khunt Wars is a new event created to showcase queer performers, with the tagline: \u201cCalling all Divas, Kings, Misfits and Weirdos!\u201d Drag artists will compete to be crowned the Khuntiest. Tickets, tickets, get your tickets<\/a>.<\/p>\n
Dublin, Irish Georgian Society \u2013 January 23, 6-7:30pm
This book launch and discussion will see P\u00e1raic Kerrigan and Tom Hulme chatting with Dr Averill Earls about her new book on queer history in Ireland. Book here<\/a>.<\/p>\n
Dublin, Pennylane, Pantibar, DV8, and The George \u2013 January 23-25
Dublin Leather Weekend is happening in LGBTQ+ venues across Dublin City Centre from January 23 to 25, 2026. There will be a whole host of events<\/a>, including bingo, boogies and more. The Main Event is, of course, the Mr Leather Ireland<\/a> 2026 competition, but also over the weekend, the Puppy Ireland 2026 competition will take place, as well as a dedicated rubber space, a social for femmes and thems, and a guided tour of historical sites of resistance.<\/p>\n
Dublin, The Racket Space downstairs at The Bernard Shaw \u2013 January
This event, hosted by Kiki Cult and Nara Hope, will feature baby drag artists, giving them a space to grow and get their sea legs. It will be \u201can open stage consisting of entirely new drag queens, kings, and things with special performances from Kiki Cult and Nara Hope themselves\u201d. The performances will be followed by a DJ. Get in<\/a>.<\/p>\n